Celtics’ Glen Davis fills in once again for Kevin Garnett

CELTICS NOTEBOOK: Glen Davis scores 23 points and grabs eight rebounds in a starting role with Kevin Garnett serving as one-game suspension. Davis, who helped the Celtics earn a 106-77 victory over the Miami Heat, also took over for Garnett during the 2009 playoffs.

By Jim Fenton

The Patriot Ledger, Quincy, MA

By Jim Fenton

Posted Apr. 21, 2010 at 12:01 AM
Updated Apr 21, 2010 at 9:05 PM

By Jim Fenton

Posted Apr. 21, 2010 at 12:01 AM
Updated Apr 21, 2010 at 9:05 PM

BOSTON

» Social News

He made a habit of turning in impressive performances during the 2009 playoffs while filling in for Kevin Garnett.

Presented the opportunity to take Garnett’s spot in the lineup for a playoff game again on Tuesday night, Davis picked right up where he left off last spring.

With Garnett serving a one-game suspension for elbowing Quentin Richardson last Saturday night, Davis had 23 points and eight rebounds in 30 minutes, providing a spark in the Celtics’ 106-77 rout of the Heat.

Coach Doc Rivers went with Davis instead of veteran Rasheed Wallace, noting the need for a quicker player to defend Michael Beasley. Davis gave the Celtics a little bit of everything, exceeding his regular-season highs in points and rebounds.

“When I stepped out there today and I saw the lineup,’’ said Paul Pierce, “I said, ‘This is the same lineup we had going into the playoffs last year when we pushed Orlando to seven games with Glen out there and playing so well in a starting role.’”

“We all know what he’s capable of with his confidence and his ability. Did I know he was going to come out here and have a big 23-point game with eight rebounds? Not at all, but I knew what he was capable of doing after filling the role last year.’’

Davis was active inside right from the start and got to the foul line for 11 attempts. He also kept Beasley under control, limiting him to four first-half points.

Garnett had a talk with Davis earlier in the day, giving him advice on how to handle the situation.

“He was kind of frustrated,’’ said Davis, “but he told me before the game to make sure I do what I do, be physical and ferocious and anything’s possible.’’

The Heat had trouble with Davis and Kendrick Perkins inside, allowing them to get a combined 36 points and 17 rebounds.

“That’s a case (of) one man impacting the game simply with his effort,’’ said Miami coach Erik Spoelstra of Davis. “I don’t think they ran one play for him. I would be shocked if they had even a play in their playbook for Glen Davis.

“He does all of his work without the ball. He does it by running the floor, sprinting ahead of the crowd, duck in on the weak side, crashing the offensive glass, putting himself in position for dishes inside the paint.

“How do you deal with a player like that? You cannot let a man’s effort exceed yours. It’s as simple as that.’’

Davis also played a key role in the comeback during Game 1, getting eight points and seven rebounds in the fourth quarter as the Celtics overcame a 14-point second-half deficit.

Page 2 of 2 - Rondo finishes fifth

Point guard Rajon Rondo, who had 12 assists, eight points and seven rebounds, wound up fifth in the voting for the defensive player of the year, which was won by Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard for the second straight season.

Rondo, who averaged 2.3 steals per game to become the first Boston player to lead the league, set a team record with 189 steals. He received one first-place vote, 13 second-place votes and 11 third-place votes and finished behind Howard, Josh Smith, Gerald Wallace and LeBron James.

“I think he’s been solid,’’ said Rivers. “I think he has the ability to disrupt the game with his hands. There are very few players who can do that.’’

Around the rim

The Celtics have won all 31 best-of-seven series in which they’ve jumped to a 2-0 lead. … The Celtics were not able to replace Garnett on the active roster because of his suspension, meaning Brian Scalabrine could not suit up in his place. … The Celtics were 12-for-20 from 3-point range after hitting only 1 of 6 in the series opener. … The Celtics are scheduled to fly to Miami on Thursday afternoon with Game 3 on Friday night and Game 4 on Sunday afternoon.